Increasing Sustainability of STEM Intervention Programs Through Evaluation

Abstract: Intervention programs designed to improve undergraduate students’ participation and success in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields exist in colleges and universities throughout the United States. These programs seek to attract and retain traditionally underrepresented students including women and minorities through supplemental services including tutoring, mentoring, research, and social support networks. This study examines the extent to which such programs conduct evaluations of their program or services, and how evaluations impact the legitimacy of intervention programs. The results are discussed in terms of the legitimacy cycle and the PDSA cycle. Recommendations for STEM Intervention Programs, such as partnering with other departments and colleges to conduct evaluations, are offered.

Keywords: STEM - Science - Technology - Math - Engineering - Education Brief